Thor 029: How Much Shakespeare Can We Cram Into This Minute?

<h2>Minute 29: From Old Man to Unworthy</h2> <p>We have a special Shakespearean expert joining us for this minute of royal family drama. Dr. Jeff Wilson from the Harvard College Writing Program talks with us about Thor’s Shakespearean connections and why it makes so much sense for Branagh to be directing.</p> <h3>In the twenty-ninth minute of <a href="https://trustory.fm/director/kenneth-branagh/">Kenneth Branagh</a>’s 2011 film <em>Thor</em>...</h3> <ul><li>We dig into the Shakespearean elements that Branagh saw in this story that drew him in, notably the story of Prince Hal in the first part of Henry IV. That totally makes sense as his draw to this, not to mention some of the people he cast like Anthony Hopkins and Tom Hiddleston.</li> <li>Dr. Wilson felt that Branagh pulled it off and also heard that the actors and director walked around talking in Shakespearean shorthand on the set (which surely frustrated anyone not as familiar with the Bard and his stories).</li></ul> <h3>We discuss comparisons with Shakespeare's Prince Hal.</h3> <ul><li>Dr. Wilson also breaks down the story of Prince Hal, part of one of Shakespeare’s two tetralogies, and explains the similarities for us in it.</li> <li>And apparently, Branagh gave Chris Hemsworth at one point the St. Crispin’s Day speech and told him to come to set with it prepared to read. How amazing would that be to watch?</li> <li>When Hopkins and Hemsworth deliver their biting comments at one another, the Shakespearean training shines through as the lines are full of heightened and grand language. It’s like verbal acid they’re throwing at one another.</li> <li>What’s amazing here, however, is how Hopkins pivots when Thor calls him old and foolish. The way he drops the anger and becomes almost pensive and thoughtful reflects the wisdom that comes with age.</li> <li>And isn’t it funny that so many superhero films boil down to the Spider-Man theme – <em>with great power comes great responsibility.</em></li> <li>Dr. Wilson schools us on the Mirrors for Magistrates as a ge